‘A gentleman this time.’
‘Show him in.’
‘Ah, Mr. Wentworth,’ said the new visitor, ‘I thought I would just run in and see you.’
‘Happy to see you—take a seat.’
‘I have read your programme, and am delighted with it.’
‘Sir, you flatter me.’
‘Not a bit of it. It is just what I like. I don’t think I could have done it better myself. You’re the coming man—all Sloville will rally round you.’
‘It does not seem like it at present,’ said Wentworth gloomily.
‘My dear sir, you astonish me; I should have thought a man of your talent would have carried everything before him. But I see I am come in the nick of time—quite providential, as it were. I can promise you entire success.’
‘Upon what terms?’